HotShot for another Army guy

HI folks,

I have PM'd a couple of you and got some great advice. Instead of the hassle of PMs and to help out others I decided to start a thread.

I am retiring from the Army in June. I used to drive as a company driver for almost 8 years OTR. I am from Indiana and still have my home there. I signed up with TDI in Sellersburg, IN to get my CDL back and get refreshed on driving and up to speed on all the new regs. It was my plan to drive flatbed instead of van like before and after a year or so, buy a truck and lease it on to a carrier.

But, I came across the Hotshot forum and it sparked my interest so I want to check it out. I have a 5th wheel toy hauler that is 36ft on the sticker, but 41ft overall actually, heavy as lead too. I own a 2008 F-450 (stock) 4x4 Quad Cab to pull it with. It has a B&W gooseneck hitch with the companion 5th wheel hitch. I think the truck has something like 35k on the odometer. I have been overseas so family is taking care of it right now.

I am thinking, I already own the truck, maybe this hotshot thing would be a good deal. I don't own a gooseneck or any kind of suitable hotshot type trailer. I don't have any working capital to speak of, so I thought that driving flatbed for 6-12 months would still be a great idea to get equipment and capital to pull this off.

Some of you are pulling RVs for a living and I am considering that as well. I really don't want to jump into the full blown hotshot deal without cash in the bank to support it. So I am looking for an opportunity to either drive for a company or use my 450 for something.

Bottom line is I need to make between $900-1000 a week after ALL expenses/reserves are paid with the exception of income taxes.

I guess this is a good start, what say ye Ladies and Gentlemen?

 

Took me a minute to figure out what you meant Flightline. The toy hauler is an RV; an 05 Jayco Talon ZX.

 

Thanks, but not really interested in using my RV for a freight trailer. That thing is heavy. Loaded for vacation I am at 26k according to CAT.